Join hundreds tonight at Journal’s heroin forum; it's free

Even before Wednesday’s public forum, Poughkeepsie Journal Media has heard some astonishing stories of people coping with heroin and prescription drug abuse. The forum — “Heroin: The Scourge, the Stories, the Answers” — is designed to educate and elicit solutions. And the public will play an integral role, able to ask questions of experts and those directly impacted by these addictions. Together, the community can find the best way forward, which is why we are urging readers to come to the forum – and participate.

Those attending also can get more information immediately before and after the forum, as some agencies and organizations are making literature available and will have people on hand to talk about these grave issues and how help is possible.

The forum runs from 7-9 p.m. at the Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie. But officials from Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health and others will be available starting at 6 p.m. at tables at the entrance to the Lateef Islam Auditorium, where the forum will be held. There is still time to register, which will aid us to gauge the size of the audience, though “walk ups” will be welcomed as well. Nearly 400 people have registered to attend. Can't attend? You can watch it live from your desktop or latptop computer at http://pojonews.co/live

The Journal has done extensive coverage leading to the forum, and those stories and videos can be found at pojonews.co/nyheroin. There, you will discover how heroin makes its way into the area. You can read personal stories and watch videos of people in recovery and how drug addiction had them in such a dismal grip.

Kristen Reynaud, a 29-year-old Ulster Park resident, told one such story. She has been struggling with a heroin addiction for several years.

“I promised myself that I wouldn’t get addicted. Unlike all the other people who took it and got hooked, I was going to successfully use heroin recreationally,” she wrote. “Of course, now I know looking back, I was never in control. From that very first day I tried it, heroin was in complete control.”

We are likely to hear similar stories Wednesday. Yet, in ways, the people recounting their ordeal are the fortunate ones. A recent state report showed that New York has outpaced the national average in both opioid use and deaths.

Solutions will have to run deep. They will have to include education and prevention measures, strong support from family and friends, better insurance coverage, and a true grasp of mental health issues, among others. A true community response is needed. Come join us Wednesday as we learn more and explore answers.

Attending the forum

You can register at http://pojonews.co/heroinforum. While the forum starts at 7 p.m., the Journal is encouraging people to arrive as early as 6 p.m. to talk with organizations involved in the event and other interested groups. Parking will be available in a lot directly across from the Family Partnership Center on North Hamilton Street. There will be “event signs” on that street directing people where to park. Parking is also available in a city-owned lot on the southeast corner of the westbound arterial and North Hamilton Street, as well as behind the partnership center.

As a community service, Family Services, Inc. is donating use of the venue, and Hudson Valley Office Furniture is providing chairs and tables for panelists.

Can't make it down to the event? You can watch it live from your desktop or laptop computer at http://pojonews.co/live